Bacuna, who turns 24 tomorrow, first joined Villa from FC Groningen in June 2013 for a fee in the region of £1.5 million, having impressed on the wing for the Eredivisie outfit.

The former Netherlands Under-21 international went on to score five times in 38 games during his first season in England, when former manager Paul Lambert also began experimenting with him at right-back.

Nevertheless, despite finishing his debut campaign as the club’s second-highest scorer, the versatile Dutchman found himself out of favour over the first half of last term – making just seven Premier League cameos for a total of 184 minutes.

Recording five assists over that period, as well as making big strides forward in his defensive work, Bacuna has since started the first two games of this season at the position, while Sherwood himself has suggested that his switch to the backline could become permanent.

Speaking ahead of last week’s 1-0 home defeat to Manchester United, the Villa boss told AVTV: “He’s not really played right-back much until last season when I came in but I think he’s cut out for that position.

“I think he can play on the right side of midfield also but he’s learning [at right-back] as he goes and he’s willing to learn.

“He’s still a young man, developing in his game, and I’m sure he will improve there.”

It’s clear that Sherwood has faith in Bacuna after getting him to commit his future to Villa until 2020, but supporters on the other hand still seem split over his value to the squad.

Here’s a sampling of how the claret and blue faithful reacted on Twitter to news of his new contract...

Some people are too negative. Bacuna's class. Much better then Hutton on the ball. #avfc

Freddie Shires

Freddie is a freelance sports writer, having recently completed an MA in Sports Journalism at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham. With an especially keen interest in all things American sports-related, he has written extensively about the NFL, MLS and the U.S. national team for various sites.